Security Service of Ukraine has started to investigate European politicians who traveled to the Crimea

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) will analyze information regarding politicians from Europe and other countries who travel to the Crimea and decide whether to impose sanctions against them, as stated by the Secretary of the NSDC (National Security and Defense Council) of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov, according to his press service.

“The SBU will prepare and submit to the NSDC of Ukraine a list of officials from the European Parliament, as well as politicians from European Union countries, …


Heavy fighting reported near Mariupol in eastern Ukraine

The fighting near the city of Mariupol has intensified, as reported by Ukrainian volunteers organization “Come back alive” on their Facebook page.

“The enemy continues intensive shelling of Ukrainian front line positions using large caliber mortars and artillery. According to confirmed information, at around 12:00 am [Kyiv time] the enemy used MLRS Grad systems. The shelling is so intensive that the sound of explosions can be heard in Mariupol. The first ambulances bringing wounded started to …


Media: Russian authorities paid for attendance at a rally commemorating the Crimean annexation

On Saturday March 18, a rally concert was held in Moscow, dedicated to the third anniversary of Russia’s annexation of Ukraine. According the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, it was attended by around 150 000 people.

According to the Russian newspaper “Meduza”, attendance at the rally was remunerated. Willing attendees were gathered through the website massovki.net, where each person was promised 300 rubles for attending.

“The group members, acting as representatives of the ‘Independent …


All Ukrainian banks owned by Russia put up for sale

During a broadcast on the Inter TV channel, Acting Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine Kateryna Rozhkova reported  that all the banks with state-owned Russian capital in Ukraine have been put up for sale.

"We know for certain that all banks with state-owned Russian capital that are currently operating in Ukraine are negotiating a potential sale. As a regulator of the banking market, we believe that this is the best way to leave the Ukrainian market, as in today’s conditions it is …


Tranche allocation to Ukraine disappears from IMF timetable

The allocation of money to Ukraine has disappeared from the meeting agenda of the executive board of the International Monetary Fund, the fund’s website shows. The provision of the next tranche had been scheduled for March 20.

The IMF issued a press release regarding the postponement of the session, saying: “A short delay is necessary to assess the developments and policy measures affecting the financial sector and wider economic prospects”.

The Ukrainski Novyny news agency, citing a source …